Okay I have been telling myself I would post about the Super Bowl and party planning for this Sunday, February 2, 2014. If you don't know what you're doing yet than here's a few ideas and perhaps you just need to throw your own party! If you don't know who you are rooting for than no worries, let me tell you all that matters... The Seattle Seahawks!!! Oh... and they are playing some ponies from Denver?
Nowwho are you inviting and is it child friendly?? We know if there's no kiddos involved that it's free for all on how loud and crazy you can get! For those of us with the little ones we have to keep in mind that odds are there may be a few more coming along, how do we word the invite to inform friends that their kids may be subject to "Football language?"
That's right... while you should probably try and keep your adult language to a minimum, at least give a fair warning that you can't make promises...
Now that we know what kind of party we're having, let talk food! Really, it doesn't matter what kind of crowd you're having, there's plenty of options that will make several people happy. What's your budget? Are you doing all the food? Is it BOYB?
You'll save more money if you just opt for your guests to bring their own drinks and provide the main course. Let them know what you plan to have and that if they have any additions they'd like to bring the more the better :)
While it will take more time for you to do it all on your own vs. have it catered or pick up a bunch of prepared plates at Costco, you will still save more money that way!! Consider crowd favorites and do as much as you can the day before. I've already got some wine glasses, décor, crackers and main ingredients for our "Chili Bar."
That's right, Chili Bar!
What else is a great idea if you don't like this one??? Nacho Bar, self-made Sandwhich line, Spaghetti, Taco bar, and the always easy, Pizza... Really, people want easy to eat, easy to serve and to know what they are eating. There's always wayyyy too much veggies and fruit left over, so to plating it right will help encourage guests to take some and to finish it too! Veggies in mini cups and fruit kabobs would be perfect. 
So if you're looking for a twist, like something spicy and love pumpkin here is what you want to make...Spicy Pumpkin Chili
And we don't all like the same so here's a few other favorites I've saved along the way...
Slow Cooked Sweet Potato Chili
Game Day Chili
Slowcooker Lumberjack Chili
Cream Cheese Turkey Chili
Wendy's Copycat Chili
Texas Chili
Big Batch Chili
Creamy White Chili
Jalapeno Popper Chili
So now you have your recipe, your appetizers and by this point your guests should be a few drinks in and ready to eat!
The best part about chili is that it goes with so many options and you can provide them all to guests without breaking the bank. So what's your favorite!? Most the time we don't think far enough outside the box, or we forget the best and most simple ways to do it. So here's what we plan and a few additional ideas as well...
The Jalapeno Honey cornbread won't disappoint you, but don't forget the ever famous Chili Dogs. How easy to make your crockpot masterpiece into a opportunity for those to enjoy it on it's own, or cover their weiner and bun in their favorite toppings?? While it takes a lil extra time, if your crowd is a lil smaller I bet they'd get a hit out of the Cornbread waffle and don't forget to have some tortilla chips, because nothing is better than Chili Nachos!
So set up the table and make it something to talk about... Shredded cheeses, jalapenos, sour cream, fritos, etc... Your guests won't be disappointed and they will be full and happy, most likely be requesting your recipe :)
So Happy Super Bowl everyone!!! I hope your bellies are full of good food and you enjoy a great game!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAWKS!!!!
